Angel Gowns NZ
When Eva was born she almost didn’t make it. From what I have been told, with the way things were going, another five minutes inside of me and she wouldn’t be here today. She is now a happy, healthy and thriving little girl, with all the sass and attitude an almost seven month old could possibly have. And I love it. Despite this, you would be surprised at how often the 'what if' thought crosses my mind. What if I woke up from anesthesia and instead of handing me my brand new little piece of absolute heaven on earth, they told me the one thing that would have made my world come crashing down? What if she didn't make it? This thought, the idea that this could have been my reality still haunts me and makes me cherish Eva more than ever.
I was a lucky one.
Some mothers (and fathers for that matter) don't get the luxury of only having to deal with the same 'what ifs' like I do. For some, my worst nightmare, my 'what if' is their reality. My heart breaks for them. Some make it full term, go through the emotional and incredibly intense experience of labour expecting to meet their beautiful baby and then things take a turn for the worst. For some, the devastation happens a little earlier. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter when or where or how. It happened, and no words can express the tragedy these mothers, these families have experienced.
The original idea was founded by US hospital worker Michelle Matthews. Angel Gowns NZ was started by midwife Kirstin Rouse who is based at River Ridge Birth Centre in Hamilton. I first found out about Angel Gowns from my midwife Mel who is based at the same birth centre.
The Angel Gowns project takes donated wedding dresses and turns them in to beautiful little gowns for stillborn babies to be clothed in. Turning something that was worn for an incredibly happy day, worn with love, a dress that is so precious to someone now being worn by a tiny, incredibly precious baby is truly heartwarming in a very bitter-sweet kind of way.
Parents are given the opportunity to spend time with, cuddle, bathe and dress their angel. Some parents have clothing which is too big or they just can't bare going out to shop for an outfit. So, having the option of dressing their baby in something so special and unique is a gift they will always cherish.
The effort these incredible people put in to even the tiniest of details is beautiful.
The support for Angel Gowns NZ is absolutely amazing.
The Angel Gowns Facebook page has over 10,000 likes. The
support is so great that they aren't taking anymore dresses at this stage as they are completely overflowing. Having to say no, due to an overload for something like this is only ever a good thing in my books. But please, don't let this stop you from going and showing your support. 'Like' the page, take a look at all the beautiful gowns that have been created and keep an eye out, as Kristin will let you know when they are taking more dresses.
If there is tugging at your heart for the need to support somehow, send a message via the Facebook page and I'm sure they will be able to give you some more information.
Nastasia
xx
Keren, from KP Designs is the creator of the gorgeous little angel peg people featured in the images. Go to KP Designs to check out more of her amazing work!